Of the more than 60 scholars who participated in the planning for the network, twelve have agreed to join a Core Group that will initiate the Network's efforts. As they are described below, these distinguished individuals are drawn from a variety of disciplines relevant to the proposed work, including epidemiology; psychology; gerontology and geriatrics; sociology; political science; and economics. As a group, the members are distinguished and have published widely in their fields; have held leadership positions in professional organizations; have edited leading journals; and have been elected to major honorary societies. Once the Network formally begins its work, and as "gaps" are identified in the expertise mix needed to most effectively address the Network's evolving agenda, additional individuals will be recruited to join.

John Rowe, the chair of the MacArthur Research Network on Aging, is a Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. Prior to joining Columbia University, Dr. Rowe led the program in academic geriatrics at Harvard, served as President and CEO of Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Hospital and led Aetna, Inc. Dr. Rowe previously directed the MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Successful Aging.